I can make baskets and provide for my family againZalika Namugabo, Uganda
£5
Trichiasis is a condition where the eyelid turns inwards and the eyelashes rub on the eyeball, causing scarring, constant irritation, terrible pain and eventually blindness.
It's a result of repeated infections of trachoma, caused by a micro-organism, Chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma is spread through flies and by cross infection, such as through unclean fingers and towels. It is treatable with a simple operation.
Zalika Namugabo suffered from trachoma for years. On bad days the pain stopped her from working and she used to pull out her eye lashes to ease the pain. After the operation the pain had gone and she could see again.
This gift can help provide someone like Zalika with an operation to stop the pain and scarring before it's too late.
Eye care:
Your gift will contribute to projects which restore sight and prevent sight loss.
See your gift in action
Joyce received a trichiasis operation last year at Magubike Health Centre in Tanzania. Joyce is a farmer producing mainly potatoes, maize and sunflowers; she has 8 children and 2 grandchildren.
Before her operation there was very little she could do due to the discomfort in her eyes, she had constant discharge and much pain. She purchased ointments from a pharmacy to try to alleviate the condition, but they didn’t help and in the end she stopped using them. Her eyes were constantly itchy and bright sunlight aggravated her eyes causing much pain and discomfort.
As her condition worsened Joyce’s family and friends helped her with everything, including eating and she soon became depressed, spending her days sitting around the house.
The leader of her village told her about the treatment she could receive for her condition. Although she was very frightened Joyce decided to go. Anything that could stop her pain would be worth it. After the operation Joyce was delighted to be able to see family and friends again, go back to farming and earn a living once more.